Guardian ad Litem (GAL)

A “Guardian ad Litem” (GAL) is an individual appointed by the Court to represent the best interest of a child when parents cannot agree on an allocation of parental rights and responsibilities. Rule 35 of the Court’s rules and Rule 48 of the Rules of Superintendence require that the Guardian ad Litem conduct an investigation that will include interviewing the child, the parents and the child’s siblings and any other individuals involved in the child’s life in order to make a recommendation as to the child’s best interest.

The Court may determine that it is necessary to appoint a Guardian ad Litem. One or both of the parents may request that Guardian ad Litem be appointed.

When a Guardian ad Litem is appointed one or both parents will be ordered to post with the Clerk of Courts a cash bond which totals at least $1,500.00 as security for the Guardian ad Litem’s fees. The hourly rate for the services of a Guardian ad Litem is $150.00.